SHSID Primary School Open Day-Shanghai High School International Division

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SHSID Primary School Open Day

June 10, 2026

In the radiant month of May, the much-anticipated Parent Open Day returned to the Primary Section of Shanghai High School International Division. Across four campuses—Puxi, Pudong, Lingang, and Hongkou—parents were treated to an inspiring educational showcase. Teachers from every subject crafted engaging lessons that skillfully blended interactive experiences with knowledge discovery. Children participated with enthusiasm, bringing vibrant energy to the classroom. Parents immersed themselves in the learning process, witnessing their children’s growth firsthand.

Puxi G1-3 Open Day

As early summer approached, the Parent Open Day for Grades 1-3 at Puxi Campus was held as scheduled. Nearly 600 parents entered the school in staggered groups, getting an up-close look at their children's daily learning and development. The event featured core curricula and signature instruction across multiple subjects, including English, Mathematics, Social Studies, Chinese, Science, Physical Education, Music, and Art. Through immersive classroom observation, parents gained direct insight into the school's educational philosophy, teachers' instructional approaches, and how their children truly engage in a group setting, fostering a deeper understanding of campus life.

When the bell rang, parents took their seats in an orderly manner. The children sat upright, eyes fixed on their teachers. Teachers, full of energy, led their students through a world of knowledge through lively, well-designed lessons. Parents listened intently, sharing knowing smiles. As they saw their children eagerly raise their hands, express themselves confidently, and participate actively, many couldn't help but beam with pride and delight.

G1: Playful Foundations— Building Cognition Through Stories and Games

On the morning of May 8, the Grade 1 Open Day began with a warm teacher-student shared reading session. The English morning reading focused on "growth mindset" as teacher and students read the classic picture book The Dot, guiding children to connect the story to their own learning experiences and creating cross-disciplinary links with the art class. Parents enthusiastically joined in, sharing touching moments when they encouraged their children or were encouraged by them, filling the classroom with sincere warmth.

In math, the theme was "Fun with Coins." Using the strategy of "sort first, then add up," students tackled real-life scenarios such as "school supply shopping," applying their skills to solve problems. The class moved at a brisk pace with frequent interaction, and children strengthened their number sense and logical thinking through hands-on practice.

Social Studies introduced basic financial literacy, helping students understand concepts like budgeting, spending, and donating. The lesson connected seamlessly with the coin knowledge from math and also prepared the children for an upcoming charity fair.

The art class featured a Dunhuang caisson ceiling project. Children cut intricate patterns from paper, dyed colors to evoke antique elegance, and recreated classic Dunhuang motifs. Through their fingertips, they absorbed the essence of the ancient Silk Road, appreciating the refined charm of traditional art and planting the seeds of intangible cultural heritage in their hearts.

G2: Integrating Knowledge and Action— Holistic Development Through Inquiry and Movement

On May 15, the Grade 2 Open Day kicked off with laughter and joy. In Chinese class, a cute little horse named Junjun guided students through a review of the 12 zodiac animals, 12 Earthly Branches, 12 two-hour periods (shichen), and their pairings. Using real-life examples and interactive games, the children explored traditional Chinese culture in a relaxed, enjoyable atmosphere, connecting with its unique charm.

In science, an experiment exploring material properties was underway. Students worked hands-on to identify states of matter and investigate the fascinating non-Newtonian fluid known as "slime." Parents were invited to join in discussions, games, and the slime-making process. A video challenge at the end of the class added to the fun, filling the room with laughter and surprises.

Out on the playground, PE classes were in full swing. The modular instruction included fun games, gymnastics, athletics, throwing events, and ball sports. Leveraging professional sports facilities, the lessons combined physical training with teamwork in an engaging, joyful way, showcasing the international character of the PE program and helping children grow strong and happy through dynamic exercise.

Math class featured an exciting "logical reasoning mystery." Students became young detectives, applying reasoning methods to solve pattern puzzles and help Pikachu track down the truth behind "The Stolen Pokemon Case." Sorting clues, eliminating doubts, and working in teams, they mastered reasoning strategies in an immersive experience that blended advanced thinking with playful learning.

G3: Beauty and Thought in Harmony— Blossoming Through Deep Reading and Creative Expression

The Grade 3 Open Day took place on the afternoon of May 12. In Chinese class, the teacher guided students through a classic poem by Zeng Ji of the Song Dynasty, "On the Mountain Path in Late Spring." The children savored the rare sunny mood of "plums ripening under clear skies," traced the imaginary route "boating to the end of a stream, then hiking on," and compared "shade unchanged" with "added oriole song" to feel the poet's quiet, unhurried heart and appreciate the subtle beauty of classical verse.

Music class began with lively warm-up activities that sparked imagination, creativity, and expression. By learning to sing "Edelweiss" from a classic film, students took their first steps into harmonic concepts, experiencing music's spatial depth and cultivating cooperation and collaboration. In dance, the rhythm balanced movement and stillness—Chinese dance refined posture, while jazz dance burst with energy. Blending ancient and modern styles, students strengthened their artistic sensibility and physical expression.

English class focused on an in-depth close reading of the novel The Last Bear. Students explored the theme that "small actions can bring change." Using annotation techniques, they learned about the plight of polar bears, then took the initiative to design their own endangered species and considered various factors affecting animal survival.

Finally, math class presented the graduation challenge of the "Royal School of Architecture." Students became junior architects, tackling three tasks—castle, garden, and treasure chamber—through hands-on manipulation and collaborative exploration. They independently discovered the mathematical rule that for a given area, the more regular the shape (closer to a square), the smaller the perimeter. From hands-on practice to group discussion, and from logical reasoning to shared insights, the children deepened their understanding and voiced their ideas through inquiry.

During breaks, children became warm little hosts. Some proudly showed their parents the artwork displayed in the classroom or hallway, enthusiastically telling the stories behind their creations. Others introduced their best friends and shared daily anecdotes. Still others led parents to the classroom library, eagerly recommending favorite books. Every corner of the classroom radiated warmth and joy.

Parent Feedback: Visible Growth, Trustworthy Classrooms

After the event, many parents expressed their appreciation for the school's curriculum through questionnaires. They generally agreed that the lessons were highly interactive, substantial, and positive in atmosphere. Teachers were described as professional, experienced, passionate, and engaging. Parents saw their children participating actively, expressing themselves fearlessly, and becoming more confident and well-mannered.

"The teacher was so wise, delivering knowledge in a way that children love and respond to. My child was fully engaged."

"The class was amazing—extremely captivating. The teachers always know how to hold the children's attention. Not only was the atmosphere lively, but the content was solid, interesting, and deep. It was clear that the teachers had prepared with extraordinary care. Thank you for your hard work!"

"Sitting in the classroom as an observer today, I felt deeply moved. The teachers' professionalism and dedication truly earn our respect. They maintained a relaxed, cheerful atmosphere while providing professional guidance. Children were focused through laughter and learned through interaction. What touched me most was the natural affection they showed for their teachers, the classroom, and learning. That kind of love doesn't develop overnight—it reflects your patience, creativity, and attention to every child, day after day. As a parent, I feel completely at ease and grateful to have my child in the hands of such caring and skilled teachers. Thank you for creating such a wonderful little world for their growth."

Through immersive classroom observation, parents gained many educational insights they could apply at home. Many mentioned learning from teachers how to use playful interaction and cues to keep children focused, to listen patiently without interrupting, and to replace lecturing with positive encouragement, giving children ample space to express themselves. They also learned that gently guiding a child through small mistakes, rather than correcting them publicly, helps the child self-reflect and take initiative to improve. These warm, scientifically grounded methods offered clear and practical direction for home education.

"Teachers often affirmed children with gentle, patient words, spotting their strengths. This warm and encouraging approach is something we parents should learn from."

"Using fun games and interactive methods to guide children's participation makes learning lighter and children more willing to speak up. The teacher patiently waited for each child to finish without interrupting—that respect and patience are so important at home, too."

"Observing this class taught me a lot, especially the teacher's style. She started with light-hearted humor to energize the room, kept the children fully engaged, and even guided them to greet their parents—building courtesy and making the atmosphere warm and loving. I realized that rather than serious lecturing, using child-friendly ways to connect and offering positive guidance better protects children's desire to express themselves and participate. I'll take that into my own parenting."

Walking Hand in Hand to Nurture Growth

The Open Day concluded successfully in a warm, harmonious atmosphere. The event not only allowed parents to observe their children's actual performance in the classroom but also strengthened home-school collaboration. We thank all parents for their active participation and sincere feedback. We will continue to uphold a student-centered philosophy, joining hands with families to support the healthy, well-rounded growth of every child.

Puxi G4-5 Open Day

On May 21, 2026, the Grade 4 and 5 Campus Open Day at the Puxi Campus of Shanghai High School International Division was successfully held. Filled with anticipation, parents stepped onto campus and joined their children in authentic classroom experiences, immersing themselves in the rhythm of everyday school life. This open day showcased four subject areas— Chinese, English, Mathematics, and Science— offering a vivid and comprehensive presentation of the school's educational philosophy and curriculum through lively classroom activities. It also gave parents a genuine sense of the school's nurturing environment. It allowed them to witness their children's growth in class firsthand, building a warm and solid bridge for home-school communication and collaboration.

Language courses focused on cultivating literary literacy, using classic works as vehicles for immersive shared reading and exploration. In the Grade 4 Chinese class, students studied Cats, a renowned essay by Lao She. Guided by the teacher, students closely analyzed the text, appreciating the author's delicate descriptions of expressions and actions while extracting the writing technique of "capturing key characteristics." During the lesson, students created short passages introducing their own animal friends, performed impromptu readings, and even invited parents to participate in classroom interactions. The humorous language and vivid descriptions filled the room with laughter, helping students strengthen their language foundation through understanding and application.

The English class centered on two core themes: interpreting the main idea of a text and analyzing character development. Through close reading of classic novels such as Harry Potter and The Boy Who Harnessed the Wind, students engaged in in-depth exploration. Drawing on textual evidence, they categorized, compared, and summarized character traits, gradually developing skills in character analysis, logical reasoning, and teamwork. On one hand, students identified characters based on clues and original quotations, explaining their reasoning with support from the text. On the other hand, they applied the RACE writing strategy to complete thematic writing tasks about character traits using evidence from the novels. This carefully scaffolded classroom structure not only helped students master literary analysis techniques but also encouraged them to integrate what they learned into real-life contexts and appreciate the effects of different writing styles.

The mathematics classes are closely aligned with the teaching goal of "discovering patterns and applying knowledge in real life," breaking down the barriers between mathematics and daily life by making abstract concepts concrete and practical. Grade 4 students explored real-world topics such as comparing the areas of L-shaped and concave-shaped gardens and finding the most cost-effective carpet-laying plan, using calculations of the perimeters and areas of irregular shapes to solve practical problems. Grade 5 students used physical models and manipulatives to investigate mathematical patterns intuitively and appreciate the logical beauty of mathematics. In addition, AI-assisted teaching was integrated into the lessons, transforming abstract formulas and theorems into more visual and accessible examples, making knowledge easier to see, feel, and understand.

In science class, students became "Earth doctors," learning scientific methods for separating mixtures and purifying water sources. Working in groups, they used different tools to separate various substances within mixtures. For example, based on differences in size and properties of solid materials, students conducted separation experiments using magnets and sieves. During the water purification activity, they tested two different filtration systems: a filter-paper funnel and a column-style water purification device. By comparing experimental results, students discussed the advantages and principles behind each method. The teacher also demonstrated how a centrifuge works and explained its real-life applications. Building on this, the lesson further introduced distillation techniques and demonstrated how filtered water can be transformed into truly drinkable pure water. The class emphasized hands-on practice and logical verification, embodying the educational philosophy of "learning through doing and thinking through learning," while inspiring students' enthusiasm for protecting the Earth through scientific knowledge.

On the day of the open classes, parents were not only observers but also active participants in the classroom. They discussed literary characters with their children, collaborated on solving mathematical problems, and analyzed experimental results together, personally experiencing the school's teaching methods. After the event, many parents shared their reflections: "By immersing ourselves in the classroom, we saw our children actively thinking and confidently expressing themselves across different subjects. We truly experienced the school's educational philosophy and understood the thoughtful design behind the curriculum." Several parents also mentioned that the open day brought families and the school closer together, helping them better understand their children's learning experiences and learn effective ways to support them at home. This provided strong support for continued home-school collaboration in nurturing students' growth.

This campus open day was not only a vivid showcase of teaching and learning outcomes, but also a heartwarming meeting of minds between families and the school. By stepping into the classroom and engaging closely with the educational process, parents gained a deeper understanding of the school's educational mission and curriculum philosophy. At the same time, the school took this opportunity to listen to parents' voices and strengthen the collective force of education. Education is a journey of mutual commitment and warm companionship. Moving forward, the school will continue building strong bridges for home-school communication and work hand in hand with families to create fertile ground for every child's growth with love and responsibility.

Pudong Open Day

On the morning of May 15, Pudong Campus successfully held the Parents' Open Day for Grades One to Five. Parents walked into the campus hand in hand with their children. With warm greetings from teachers, everyone started a half-day immersive classroom experience together.

A variety of courses, including Chinese, Mathematics, English, Social Studies, Science, Art, Music, and PE, were presented one after another. With relaxed and lively class atmospheres, teachers' lectures, students' presentations, and group cooperation, we aimed to help parents fully experience their children's real campus learning life. Parents listened carefully, took an active part in interactions, answered questions, and joined in class activities, spending wonderful learning time with their kids.

Chinese classes were full of fun. Students explored outdoor knowledge and traveled across rivers and mountains through classic poems, bathing in the charm of literature. In English classes, teachers and students stepped into the wonderful world of literature and enjoyed classic novels to feel the beauty of words. Mathematics lessons were turned into interesting architecture academies. Students acted like little architects to complete tasks and explored the relationship between area and perimeter. Parents also joined in the thinking and problem-solving, enjoying the fun of knowledge exploration. In science classes, students made slime themselves and used pH test paper to distinguish between acidity and alkalinity, experiencing the magic of scientific experimentation. In music, PE, and art classes, parents were invited to participate in engaging activities with their children, experiencing artistic influence and the joy of sports.

This Open Day provided parents with a direct way to get close to campus classes and observe their children's thinking processes and learning habits firsthand. With parents' warm company, students became more enthusiastic and confident in class, gaining plenty of encouragement and strength.

Lin'gang Open Day

On the morning of May 12, the gentle late-spring sunshine bathed the Lin'gang Campus. The long-awaited Parent Open Day for Grades 1 to 3 at SHSID Lin'gang Campus arrived as scheduled. Parents stepped into classrooms and sat beside their children, spending a fulfilling and warm morning together.

At 8:10 a.m., parents entered the classrooms with eager anticipation, ready to experience their children's daily school life up close. Ms. Liu Fang, Vice Principal of SHSID Middle and Primary School, made a special visit to the Lin'gang Campus. She joined the parents in observing lessons and witnessing the memorable moments of interaction between teachers and students.

In math class, children quietly experienced the joy of intellectual growth as they explored the value of coins, identified the properties of shapes, and discovered the relationship between the perimeter and area of rectangles. In English class, teachers used the beloved duo Piggie and Gerald to guide students in understanding cause and effect, distinguishing between different points of view, and boldly embarking on their own creative writing. Chinese and music classes were equally wonderful, with the sound of reading and cheerful melodies weaving a unique classroom atmosphere. In art class, children stepped into the world of intangible cultural heritage through traditional batik techniques. Using pencils, they first sketched imaginative patterns on paper, then layered watercolor paints to create rich, flowing hues. When their one-of-a-kind works were completed, watching parents couldn't help but whisper words of admiration, their eyes filled with surprise and pride.

Afterward, parents walked to the campus lake to observe the most distinctive offering at Lin'gang Campus – the kayaking class. The sunlight sparkled on the water as children put on life jackets, gripped their paddles, and paddled steadily under the guidance of their instructors. Moving side by side, making quick turns, and coordinating as a team... On the shore, parents held up their phones to capture the children's impressive moments on the water.

As the class bell faded, it was time for cheerful Snack Time. The children eagerly took on their own responsibilities – handing out snacks, sweeping the classroom, and proudly leading their parents by the hand to see their work displayed in the hallways. Paintings, handwriting samples, and handmade crafts – the children introduced each piece with excitement, their eyes shining with pride.

In the classroom observation booklets, parents of second graders wrote down their most genuine reflections from the day they were "students" again. One parent sighed, "I never had such interesting math lessons when I was a child." Another parent earnestly wrote that the greatest takeaway was finally learning the twelve Earthly Branches and their corresponding zodiac animals. On this day of accompanying their children to class, they had become part of the classroom themselves, experiencing what it feels like to be a student once more.

Through this half-day of close observation, parents gained a deeper understanding of the school's teaching and educational efforts. The professional teaching team, the thoughtfully designed interactive lessons, and the children's confident and focused demeanor – every detail reflected the warmth and strength of this nurturing educational environment. Looking ahead, the Lin'gang Campus will continue to uphold its high standards of education, walking hand in hand with parents to safeguard every child's growth. May every child grow here with confidence and bloom with ease.

Hongkou Open Day

On the morning of May 15th, SHSID Hongkou Campus held its Open Day for Grades 1 to 3. Nearly 150 parents stepped onto campus to immerse themselves in their children's daily learning and witness their growth through exploration and collaboration.

Engaging Classrooms: Learning Through Exploration

On the day of the Open Day, classrooms across Grades 1 to 3 were filled with vibrant and diverse learning activities. Parents observed a wide range of lessons up close, experienced the authentic classroom atmosphere, and saw firsthand how their children actively explored, cooperatively expressed ideas, and demonstrated confidence through interactive learning.

Chinese: Deep Cultural Roots, Blossoming Expression

First graders worked together in a fun Chinese character writing challenge. Guided by an "AI teacher," they discussed, organized, and clearly expressed their ideas to complete and publish a formal notice—strengthening both their writing skills and their ability to synthesize information. Second-grade "explorers" wrote their own Wilderness Survival Guides, integrating natural science knowledge with language learning. In the non-native Chinese class, students explored the "Sweet House" ice cream shop to find hidden characters, learn proper stroke order, and practice using them in sentences. Third graders began with the poem On the Road in Sanqu and embarked on a "journey with the poet," reading classical poetry, completing tasks, and writing their own verses—internalizing the classics while creating their own springtime poems.

Math: Logical Thinking in Action

First-grade math classes used a variety of collaborative formats to explore concepts such as money, practice counting, and verify amounts while solving real-life problems. Second-grade "detectives" used logical reasoning to solve shape-based puzzles and learned the value of teamwork. Third graders became "royal architects," discovering through hands-on exploration the relationship between rectangles with the same area but different perimeters—and applying this insight to real-world challenges like castle design, garden fencing, and pizza parties.

English & Science: A Global Perspective, a Spirit of Inquiry

The students in the Grade 1 Social Studies class got to see Mr. Callum learn to use his money to spend, save, and donate in a video, which the students did as well at the end of their budgeting lesson. In their Science class, Grade 2 students capped off their studies of matter by creating their own non-Newtonian fluid, while experimenting with varying amounts of ingredients and understanding how that affected the state of their fluid on a spectrum from liquid to solid. Grade 3 students showcased their reading and writing skills through an engaging text-to-self connection activity inspired by our novel study of The Last Bear in English class. Like the protagonist April, students created their own imaginative animals in need of saving. Through this hands-on writing experience, students demonstrated how literature sparks their imagination and inspires them to think about the world around them.

Arts & PE: Creative Expression, Energetic Spirit

In first-grade music, students performed the song Tuetue with passion and excellent rhythm, accompanied by African drumbeats. Second-grade dance transformed into a "robot world," where students joyfully performed cool, cute mechanical movements to an upbeat tempo. In third-grade art, children used layered coloring techniques to paint 3D-printed Dalecarlian horses with patterns symbolizing hope, connection, and love. During the final gallery walk, this cross-cultural creative work drew admiration from parents. On the sports field, students of different grades showcased various skills: in handball, they focused on dribbling and ball control, passing the ball between teammates in fun relays; in basketball, children focused on their ability to control the basketball using one-handed dribbling and using their non-dribbling hand to protect the ball and maintain balance. Parents and children passed the ball face-to-face, their smooth exchanges reflecting both athletic energy and parent-child rapport.

Heartfelt Feedback: Seeing Growth in Every Detail

Parents widely praised this year's Open Day. They truly felt that the lessons skillfully integrated knowledge with games and inquiry—engaging, fun, and intellectually rich. Teachers were warm, professional, and patient, allowing learning to unfold naturally. Parents were delighted to see their children not only more focused and proactive, but also capable of analyzing causes in hands-on experiments and confidently expressing themselves in group work—showing remarkable growth. Their comments were filled with emotion and appreciation:

"In science class, the kids discovered causes on their own and developed basic ideas about controlling variables."

"The Chinese class turned an ancient poem into a song—dry material suddenly came to life."

"Math felt like a detective game; the kids were fully engaged, and even we parents wanted to join in!"

Though only a half-day, the Open Day gave parents a genuine window into their children's learning world and the school's daily educational life. From focused eyes in the classroom to laughter on the playground—from every thoughtfully designed activity to every moment of confident student expression—understanding and trust between home and school grew deeper with each shared experience. Hongkou Campus will continue to walk hand in hand with parents, nurturing children as they grow through exploration and move forward with passion.

The Open Day events across all campuses and grade levels concluded successfully. Yet the brilliance of education never stops— teachers will continue refining every lesson detail, students’ journeys of discovery will keep unfolding, and the warm bond between home and school will deepen further. Shanghai High School International Division will continue walking alongside parents, laying a solid foundation for every child’s future growth and learning, so that each dream may shine brilliantly here.

(Written by Jiahui Wen, Ting Cao, Wenjuan Cui, Shiyi Zhang, Nina Kang, Supervisors

Pictures by Grade Assistants, Homeroom Teachers

Reviewed by Directors, Shiyu Wu, Hannah Kloeber)